Eagles Break Through for Maiden WA Blind Flag

The West Coast Eagles have celebrated their first WA Blind AFL premiership after beating cross town rivals the Fremantle Dockers by 29-points in Saturday’s clash at Mineral Resources Park.

The injury-hit Eagles entered the match having lost the inaugural season of WA Blind AFL.

Despite missing some of their best players, the Eagles were brilliant all day, with a six-goal blitz by Caitlin Hannen-Williams helping set up the 9.9 (63) to 4.10 (34) victory.

Dockers key forward Darren Stevens was left with bruised ribs, a head knock and leg injuries as he constantly launched himself at the football in a bid to lift his side back into the contest.

Stevens did his best in the last quarter to stop the midfield run of Brad Brider and Alan Leahy, but by then West Coast had the game in their keeping.

Journeyman Troy Ryan got plenty of the footy and was unlucky not to convert when his chance came.

The Dockers worked extremely hard in the midfield lead by Thanh Tu, who was committed to every contest.

Julie Henderson also made her presence felt with Thanh as they tried to keep Fremantle in the contest.

Recruit Daniel Morrish was strong in defence but often played a loan hand against a dominant Eagles attack.

Fremantle closed the margin early in the 4th quarter, but two goals in succession sealed the deal for West Coast at the club’s indoor Kicking Facility at Mineral Resources Park.

Hayden Marchetto, Executive Officer of the WA All Abilities Football Association, declared the season a resounding success.

“The enthusiasm and skills on display throughout the season and in the Grand Final were outstanding.

Congratulations to the Eagles on their first Premiership and I’m sure the rivalry between the two clubs will intensify as WA Blind AFL continues to grow,” Marchetto said.